Chicago Cubs lineup: Maddon loads up on lefties to face Max Scherzer

The Chicago Cubs will go battle against Max Scherzer and the Washington Nationals with this lineup.

The release of the Chicago Cubs‘ lineup brings intrigue on a daily basis. With so many injuries and lack of offensive production, manager Joe Maddon continues to tinker with his order and the mix of players. You never really know what to expect until the lineup is released.

Maddon has released his lineup for Tuesday night’s game against Max Scherzer and the Washington Nationals, and it is a doozy.

The Cubs were able to squeak away with an exciting 5-4 victory over the Nationals on Monday night. However, they cannot be the favorites in Tuesday’s game, as they will send Jake Arrieta to the mound to take on Max Scherzer.

As per usual, Scherzer has been dominant this season. That being said, Maddon seems to like his chances with multiple left-handed hitters. Aside from Kris Bryant, Javier Baez and Jake Arrieta, every Cubs’ starter will bat left-handed against Scherzer. The Cubs could not have gotten more left-handed bats into the lineup.

Why so many lefites?

Stacking the lineup with lefties certainly makes a ton of sense. Right-handed batters are hitting a minuscule .123/.160/.226 off of Scherzer this season, while lefties are hitting .208/.296/.361. Scherzer is one of the best pitchers in baseball who can dominate anybody, but stacking the order with lefties makes the most sense.

Anthony Rizzo steps back into his leadoff role, surprising followed by Tommy La Stella. La Stella’s strong approach at the plate is obviously a key in this game. Ian Happ and Bryant round out the first four for the Cubs.

Next: Cubs must keep Montgomery in starting rotation

Maddon also used this as an opportunity to get Miguel Montero a start behind the plate and Jon Jay one in left field. Both players are strong veteran hitters who have a chance to produce against Scherzer.

This will not be an easy game for the Chicago Cubs. Scherzer is one of the nastiest pitchers in the game, and when he is on, he is near impossible to hit. That being said, Maddon has put together a strong lineup for them to attack him. It should be an interesting night.